Long Forest lifestyle: 15 Greenhood Court, Long Forest, 3340

In the natural bushland enclave of Long Forest, neighbouring other large leafy properties, this western red cedar residence matches its milieu perfectly. It rests on about 1.51 hectares, midway between Melton and Bacchus Marsh – both about 10-minute car trips.

Arrival is via a long driveway, which ends in a circle in front of the full-length verandah – the spot to relax and enjoy glimpses of the birdlife and visiting bush creatures.

Entry through a door with leadlight side lights is to a short, parquetry-floored hallway with a stone feature wall ahead. The newly carpeted sitting area to the right has all the characteristics that define the house’s look: timber pitched ceiling with exposed beams, timber-lined walls (in other rooms, it’s exposed bricks) and windows dressed in vertical blinds.

The sitting room is open to the cork-floored meals zone and kitchen, the latter with a timber island bench inset with a 900mm gas cooktop, leadlight overhead cupboards, walk-in pantry, dishwasher and wall oven.

A carpeted lounge-dining room links with both entry hall and kitchen; it has a wood heater for winter cosiness, while ducted heating and evaporative cooling provide year-round comfort.

A hallway from the meals area has timber dado walls and ceiling.

Along this are a laundry with two-way toilet and adjoining mud room with bench, as well as two minor bedrooms – each with walk-in robe and ceiling fan.

The large main bathroom across the way has slate floor and wall tiles, a timber vanity and spa. Farther along, a carpeted parents’ retreat/study links via the en suite with the main bedroom which has a fitted walk-in robe.

The back verandah faces a huge backyard, with a fenced inground pool the focal point. The yard, dotted with eucalypts, is easy-care and a gate opens from there to a rear paddock.

Other notable features include water tanks; a gabled carport able to shelter six vehicles; and a very large shed with verandah, concrete floor and three-phase power.